Find the best Norfolk cycle route for you

With a cool breeze, birds calling overhead and the landscape rushing by, cycling in Norfolk can help you capture that feeling of complete freedom.

Startling views across the Norfolk coast and country provide a fantastic backdrop to cycling trails with plenty of intriguing sites and fun attractions to visit. Explore the picturesque King’s Lynn or enjoy a picnic in the grounds of the Blickling Estate in Aylsham before continuing on your cycle ride through forests, past rivers and over coastal cliffs.

With routes that take you through Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, past striking coastal views and down old railway routes, there are lots of cycle paths to choose from. Take your pick before booking or discover a cycling trail near where you’re staying. On your ride, you could stop at one of the many cafés serving local produce or treat yourself to a hearty fish and chips while overlooking the sea.

Feel the coastal breeze rush by as you cycle the coast or listen out for the sounds of nature while traversing quiet country lanes. There are gentle routes for a quiet day out and a few steep climbs for anyone looking for trials of endurance.

Whatever you are after during your holiday, this stunning landscape has lots of delightful cycling options for travelling across Norfolk. Here’s a round-up of our favourites:

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Running parallel with the coast, it stretches all the way from Kings Lynn to Great Yarmouth. Established in 1998, the 92-mile track was set up to help cyclists avoid busier roads and it passes by some incredible views allowing you to take in the sight of a sparkling ocean while on your travels.

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Running from Aylsham to Norwich, this trail begins near the magnificent Blickling Estate and a stop on the Bure Valley Railway, before heading south through countryside until it enters the bustling city of Norwich.

Sections 1 and 2 of this trail are mostly paved, section 3 is muddy and great fun for those with mountain bikes while section 4 is the quietest but unsuitable for kids as there are more and more roads to cross as you enter the city.

Taking its name from a Mr William Marriott, the former chief engineer of the Midland and Great Northern Railway, Marriott’s Way is a 26-mile cycle route, footpath and bridleway. Follow the route taken by two disused railway lines and cycle through villages such as Lenwade, Reepham and Drayton. Take a look at this handy guide when you're there.

Starting in the pretty woodland of Knettishall Heath, this track runs past the thick pine forests of Thetford, down countryside lanes and heathland, along old arrow-straight roman roads and ends when it meets the ocean at Holme-next-the-Sea. Most of this track is off-road and, although it has some gentler paths, there are plenty of moderate climbs to endure.

This cycle route begins in Aylsham, passing Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall along the way, before finishing in Wroxham. It’s a quiet cycle route that runs parallel to the Bure Valley Railway making it a relatively flat and gentle cycle but beware it crosses through a busy junction just outside Aylsham. Bure Valley Railway has provided further information about this route - check it out here.

Start in the coastal town of Hunstanton on The Wash and cycle down to King’s Lynn on the banks of the River Ouse with the National Cycle Network’s Route 1. It’s a long route that includes cycling on-road and crossing busy junctions but you can simply cycle the sections that appeal to you.

Highlights on the way include the splendid coastal scenery of Hunstanton, the 12th century ruined castle at Castle Rising and the wooded Sandringham Estate, the Queen’s royal residence in Norfolk, which has beautiful grounds and the impressive Sandringham House.

There are over a thousand cycling routes through the stunning Thetford pine forests. A flat landscape means many of these tracks are gentle and make delightful rides for families on holiday. Follow a circular track around the region to see as much of the woodland as possible and take a picnic or stop off at one of the many attractions in this family-friendly area.

Refuel

After a hard day’s cycling, your weary legs will need a comfortable place to relax and recover. Curl up on a sofa before later collapsing into bed at one of our self-catering cottages.

It’s essential to find a cosy corner where you can prepare for the next day’s big adventure. We have properties to suit any party size, whether a solo rider, cycle group, family or racing team. Take your pick of the hand-picked holiday cottages in Norfolk we have on offer.

And if you're not quite ready to rest yet, there are plenty of other activities on offer in Norfolk. For even more ways to experience the great outdoors, take a look at our guide to outdoor activities in Norfolk.

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